Pennsylvania Department of Corrections criticized for failing to address Mumia Abu-Jamal's worsening eye problems, thereby hindering his access to timely eye surgery.
Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former award-winning journalist and co-founder of the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party, is facing a critical health crisis. At the age of 71, Abu-Jamal's vision has deteriorated to the point where he can no longer read or write, and he is at risk of going blind.
Advocates for Abu-Jamal have expressed their concerns about his health, particularly his eye condition. The condition is reportedly a result of complications from a 2019 cataract surgery and diabetic retinopathy, caused by overadministered steroids by corrections officials for a skin condition.
Dr. Johanna Fernandez has criticized the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for allegedly delaying surgery to address Abu-Jamal's eye condition. Supporters claim that prison officials delayed his corrective laser surgery by sending him for unnecessary evaluations.
Abu-Jamal himself believes he has been delayed in receiving medical intervention for his eye condition, expressing his frustration in a pre-recorded message. Overdosing on steroids elevated Abu-Jamal's glucose levels, according to medical professionals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has declined to comment on Abu-Jamal's medical history or treatment plans. However, the US Department of Justice, responsible for Abu-Jamal's medical treatment while imprisoned, has acknowledged the severity of the situation. Abu-Jamal has suffered severe vision loss due to delayed or inadequate eye care and has appealed for urgent medical support to prevent blindness.
The delay in Abu-Jamal's medical care has sparked a coordinated effort to pressure the Department of Corrections for prompt intervention. On Friday, a news conference was held to bring attention to the issue. Mark Taylor, Abu-Jamal's coordinator for Educators, believes that prison authorities want Abu-Jamal's voice quashed and only act when pressured by the movement for his freedom and legal action.
The Pennsylvania prison system has a history of being sued over its alleged inability to promptly respond to medical conditions. As evidence, a $1.2 million judgment was won by two prisoners over a MRSA outbreak at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
Abu-Jamal was convicted of the 1981 murder of white Philadelphia police Officer Daniel Faulkner and has maintained his innocence, calling himself a political prisoner. Friday's news conference was a plea for justice not just for Abu-Jamal, but for the timely and adequate medical care that every prisoner deserves.
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